Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Featured in: Comfort Family Dinners

This budget-friendly potato layer bake offers tender, thinly sliced potatoes layered with savory onions and a creamy cheese sauce. The dish bakes until golden and bubbling, creating a comforting and hearty meal. Easy preparation and baking ensure a delicious, satisfying result that pairs well with fresh herbs for garnish. Perfect for a vegetarian main or side dish, this casserole satisfies with rich dairy flavors and gentle seasoning.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 14:22:00 GMT
Golden, bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a comforting casserole with creamy cheese and tender potatoes. Save to Pinterest
Golden, bubbling Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, a comforting casserole with creamy cheese and tender potatoes. | frostkettle.com

A comforting wallet-friendly casserole featuring tender potato slices savory onions and a creamy cheese sauce baked until golden and bubbling

I first served this potato layer bake to my family on a busy weeknight and everyone loved how creamy and flavorful it was

Ingredients

  • Potatoes: 1.2 kg peeled and thinly sliced
  • Onion: 1 large thinly sliced
  • Whole Milk: 200 ml
  • Heavy Cream: 150 ml
  • Grated Cheddar Cheese: 120 g
  • Unsalted Butter: 30 g plus extra for greasing
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Salt: 1 tsp
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp optional
  • Chopped Fresh Parsley: 2 tbsp for garnish

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 190°C 375°F Grease a medium baking dish with butter
Melt Butter:
In a small saucepan melt the butter over medium heat Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
Prepare Sauce:
Stir in the milk cream salt pepper and nutmeg if using Heat gently until just warmed do not boil Remove from heat
Layer Ingredients:
Layer half the potato slices in the prepared baking dish Top with half of the sliced onions and half of the cheese
Repeat Layers:
Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes onions and cheese
Add Sauce:
Pour the warm milk and cream mixture evenly over the layers
Bake Covered:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes
Bake Uncovered:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving Garnish with chopped parsley if desired
Save to Pinterest
| frostkettle.com

My family and I enjoy this casserole during chilly evenings creating cozy memorable moments

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving

Variations

Add sliced tomatoes between layers or a sprinkle of cooked bacon for extra flavor if not vegetarian

A bubbling, golden-brown Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, perfect for a cozy, satisfying family meal. Save to Pinterest
A bubbling, golden-brown Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake, perfect for a cozy, satisfying family meal. | frostkettle.com

This potato layer bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for budget-conscious cooks

Recipe Questions & Answers

How should the potatoes be prepared for this dish?

Potatoes should be peeled and thinly sliced to ensure even cooking and tender layers throughout the bake.

Can I use different types of cheese in this dish?

Yes, Gruyère or mozzarella can substitute for cheddar to create varied flavor profiles while maintaining creaminess.

Is it necessary to cover the dish while baking?

Covering with foil for the first 40 minutes helps the potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture before uncovering for browning.

What can be added for extra flavor or texture?

Optional toppings like sliced tomatoes or cooked bacon can enhance taste, while fresh parsley adds a bright garnish.

How can I ensure the sauce doesn’t boil during preparation?

Heat the milk, cream, and seasonings gently until warm but avoid boiling to maintain the sauce’s smooth consistency.

Budget-Friendly Potato Layer Bake

Tender potato slices combined with onions and creamy cheese sauce, baked golden and bubbling.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
60 minutes
Overall Time
75 minutes
Created by Nora Whitman


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine European

Makes 4 Serving Size

Dietary Information Meatless, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Vegetables

01 2.6 lbs peeled and thinly sliced potatoes
02 1 large onion, thinly sliced

Dairy

01 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp whole milk
02 2/3 cup heavy cream
03 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
04 2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

Pantry

01 2 cloves garlic, minced
02 1 tsp salt
03 1/2 tsp black pepper
04 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

Optional Toppings

01 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x11 inch baking dish with butter.

Step 02

Infuse Butter with Garlic: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Combine Dairy Mixture: Stir in whole milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Warm gently without boiling, then remove from heat.

Step 04

Layer Ingredients: Arrange half of the potato slices evenly in the prepared dish. Layer half the onions and half the grated cheese on top.

Step 05

Repeat Layers: Add remaining potato slices, followed by remaining onions and cheese.

Step 06

Pour Dairy Mixture: Evenly distribute the warm milk and cream mixture over all layers.

Step 07

Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.

Step 08

Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until golden on top and potatoes are tender.

Step 09

Rest and Garnish: Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Saucepan
  • 9x11 inch baking dish
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. Ask a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (milk and cheese). Check packaging for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (Each Serving)

Given for informational purposes, this isn't medical advice.
  • Energy Value: 370
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Proteins: 10 g